Ruskin Man Charged With Attempted Murder in Connection with Shooting at Convenience Store

A Ruskin man is in custody after authorities say he trapped another man with his vehicle and attempted to kill him with a firearm.

Hillsborough County deputies say Earl Williams was in his black Cadillac sedan at a convenience store near North U.S. Highway 41 and Shell Point Road mid-morning on January 10 when a Ford Explorer driven by Derrick Javonte Gilghrest pulled in behind Williams’ vehicle in a manner that made it impossible for it to leave.

Upon coming to a stop, investigators say Gilghrest leveled a handgun at Williams’ car and fired, striking him once in the back. Gilghrest subsequently fled the scene with three others in tow, say deputies.

Williams was transported to a local hospital and was placed in critical condition. Gilghrest was arrested shortly after the incident at a residence a short distance away. He was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on one count of attempted first-degree murder and is currently being held there in lieu of a bond of $65,000.

The Law Offices of Bjorn Brunvand have been representing people charged with capital murder, felony drug charges, drunk driving, government fraud, and white-collar crimes for over a quarter century. Contact our office today to discuss your Tampa Bay-area state or federal charges.